Taking his Chance by Henry Lawson
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his rural home after years away and becomes embroiled in the lives of the local people. He forms relationships with several women, including a widow and her daughter, but ultimately decides to leave again, unable to settle down. The narrative explores themes of restlessness, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1900 · Genre: Adventure, Romance, Drama · 479 words
First lines
They stood by the door of the Inn on the Rise; May Carney looked up in the bushranger's eyes: 'Oh! why did you come? -- it was mad of you, Jack; You know that the troopers are out on your track. ' A laugh and a shake of his obstinate head -- 'I wanted a dance, and I'll chance it,' he said.
Some twenty-odd bushmen had come to the 'ball', But Jack from his youth had been known to them all, And bushmen are soft where a woman is fair, So the love of May Carney protected him there; And all the short evening -- it seems like romance -- She danced with a bushranger taking his chance.
What this Textopian page supports
Taking his Chance is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Lawson, dated 1900 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Romance, Drama, Historical Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 479 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Taking his Chance by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Taking his Chance?
- How does this short story by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Adventure — The narrative centers around the daring and risky actions of a bushranger, highlighting themes of danger and excitement.
- Romance — The story features a romantic relationship between the bushranger and May Carney, emphasizing love and emotional connection.
- Drama — The plot involves intense emotional situations and conflicts, particularly the tension between the bushranger and the troopers.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and characters reflect a historical period in Australia, focusing on bushrangers and their interactions with society.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Regional Fiction · Outback Setting · Working Class Life · Social Commentary · Poverty · Hardship · Resilience · Survival · Male Protagonist